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Lane Winslow #6
A Deceptive Devotion
Wedding bells, a grisly murder, and a defecting Russian spy bring drama to King's Cove in the newest Lane Winslow mystery, a series that the Globe and Mail calls "terrific."
A wedding is on the horizon for Lane Winslow and Inspector Darling. As one of the few Russian speakers in her community, Lane is obliged to act as translator and hostess for Countess Orlova, an elderly Russian woman who has tracked her missing brother to the Nelson area. Nelson PD investigates, but then the murder of a lone hunter in the hills above King's Cove takes top priority.
Darling works the case with a Constable Oxley--a newcomer to the area, assigned in Constable Ames' temporary absence--and a British agent contacts Lane to warn her to be on the lookout for a fleeing Russian defector. Bound by the Wartime Secrets Act, Lane is conflicted about keeping the information from Darling, especially when it begins to put a strain on their relationship.
Fans of Maisie Dobbs and the Kopp Sisters will delight in this rousing adventure of intrigue and espionage.
A wedding is on the horizon for Lane Winslow and Inspector Darling. As one of the few Russian speakers in her community, Lane is obliged to act as translator and hostess for Countess Orlova, an elderly Russian woman who has tracked her missing brother to the Nelson area. Nelson PD investigates, but then the murder of a lone hunter in the hills above King's Cove takes top priority.
Darling works the case with a Constable Oxley--a newcomer to the area, assigned in Constable Ames' temporary absence--and a British agent contacts Lane to warn her to be on the lookout for a fleeing Russian defector. Bound by the Wartime Secrets Act, Lane is conflicted about keeping the information from Darling, especially when it begins to put a strain on their relationship.
Fans of Maisie Dobbs and the Kopp Sisters will delight in this rousing adventure of intrigue and espionage.
10 pages, Audiobook
First published April 23, 2019
110 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
Iona Whishaw
16 books438 followersIona Whishaw has been a youth worker, social worker, teacher and an award winning High School Principal, who continued with her writing throughout her working life. Receiving her Masters in Creative writing from UBC, Iona has published short fiction, poetry, poetry translation and one children's book, Henry and the Cow Problem. The Lane Winslow mystery series is her first foray into adult fiction.
Iona was born in Kimberley BC, but grew up in a number of different places, including a small community on Kootenay Lake, as well as Mexico and Central America, and the US because of her father's geological work. She took a degree in history and education from Antioch College, and subsequent degrees in Writing at UBC and pedagogy at Simon Fraser University. Her own writing output took a brief back seat during her teaching career, but she shared her passion for writing by nurturing a love of writing in the students in English, Creative Writing, and Spanish classes. During the course of her career as a Principal in Vancouver she was awarded the Woman of Distinction in Education by the YWCA in 2010 and a Canada's Outstanding Principals award in 2012.
Her hobbies have included dance, painting, reading, and gardening. She currently is a vocalist for a small Balkan dance band in Vancouver, and is patiently waiting for her next opportunity to engage in her current pash, long distance, cross country rambling in England.
She is married, has one son and two grandsons, and lives in Vancouver with her artist husband, Terry Miller.
Iona was born in Kimberley BC, but grew up in a number of different places, including a small community on Kootenay Lake, as well as Mexico and Central America, and the US because of her father's geological work. She took a degree in history and education from Antioch College, and subsequent degrees in Writing at UBC and pedagogy at Simon Fraser University. Her own writing output took a brief back seat during her teaching career, but she shared her passion for writing by nurturing a love of writing in the students in English, Creative Writing, and Spanish classes. During the course of her career as a Principal in Vancouver she was awarded the Woman of Distinction in Education by the YWCA in 2010 and a Canada's Outstanding Principals award in 2012.
Her hobbies have included dance, painting, reading, and gardening. She currently is a vocalist for a small Balkan dance band in Vancouver, and is patiently waiting for her next opportunity to engage in her current pash, long distance, cross country rambling in England.
She is married, has one son and two grandsons, and lives in Vancouver with her artist husband, Terry Miller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
January 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, I liked the range of characters and the mystery that emerged. As well I previously did not realize such a Russian connection in BC at this time in history, one of the reasons I love reading, there is always new things to learn. I look forward to the release of the next book in the series.
January 31, 2019
Another fantastic entry in the unique and compelling Lane Winslow series! Filled with intrigue, deception, twisted loyalties, and a touch of romance, readers will stand up and cheer.
November 13, 2022
I am loving this series! Everything works for me - the ensemble of characters, the setting, the time period. This one was particularly twisty.
July 8, 2019
Sixth novel in this Canadian series featuring the skilled talents of WWII British agent Lane Winslow.
Having chosen Canada's West Coast as her new postwar home, readers have been treated to colourful descriptives of the beauties of locale and quirks of neighbours' personalities. A richly familiar background for this sixth entry of the series offering a sense of coming home.
Appearance of previous characters lend an insider's view yet the espionage and intrigue offered captivate my attention afresh.
Adding romance and a wedding for Lane and Darling piques my interest and anticipation for their life together in King's Cove.
Once again, Iona Whishaw has me in pursuit of more Lane Winslow mysteries!
Having chosen Canada's West Coast as her new postwar home, readers have been treated to colourful descriptives of the beauties of locale and quirks of neighbours' personalities. A richly familiar background for this sixth entry of the series offering a sense of coming home.
Appearance of previous characters lend an insider's view yet the espionage and intrigue offered captivate my attention afresh.
Adding romance and a wedding for Lane and Darling piques my interest and anticipation for their life together in King's Cove.
Once again, Iona Whishaw has me in pursuit of more Lane Winslow mysteries!
April 20, 2019
This instalment and #4 (It Begins In Betrayal) (my introduction to this series) are by far my favourites. This one kept me wondering what was going to happen and kept me engaged the whole way along. My only complaint, it's a wee one, is that I find these a touch too drawn out and would like it if they wrapped up a little sooner. The people of King's Cove continue to delight me to no end!
October 9, 2019
More spy shenanigans and the development of our Kings Cove characters. I did guess most of what was going on fairly early on, so the mystery element wasn't 100% there for me :)
The way Whishaw writes relationships and character growth is so lovely and sweet without being oversentimental.
The way Whishaw writes relationships and character growth is so lovely and sweet without being oversentimental.
April 23, 2019
How gorgeous is this cover?! I love the style and the colors they use for each book in the Lane Winslow series. This cover just makes me want to pick the book up and see what’s waiting for me inside. And the writing and story are just as fantastic as the cover.
First let’s start with the mystery – Lane Winslow has a lot going on in A Deceptive Devotion:
- A mysterious Russian countess shows up looking for her missing brother. As Inspector Darling tries to track down any leads, she stays with Lane; the countess only speaks Russian, and Lane is fluent.
- Lane and Inspector Darling are preparing for their upcoming wedding. But will Lane get cold feet before the day arrives?
- Ames is in Vancouver to take his Sergeant’s exam. His temporary replacement in Darling’s office is not measuring up.
- Unknown to Lane, a former Russian spy has defected and is making his way to Canada (and hopefully Lane) for safety.
- A local hunter in King’s Cove has gone missing – and is later found dead. Darling asks (okay, he tells) - Lane to leave this mystery to the local authorities. But of course, Lane follows her instincts and does some snooping on her own.
Whew. I told you Lane has a lot going on.
What makes Lane Winslow mysteries different from other historical mysteries? It’s the storytelling. In each book, Ms. Whishaw tells two stories – the mystery in the present, and the events in the past that led up to the murder. This narration gives the reader a foundation to understand the motivations of the crime, and give depth to both the victim and the guilty. Her writing style is just lovely and detailed, transporting you back in time to post-war Canada.
My favorite part of these books is Lane herself. She is an independent, strong woman. Lane is not afraid to stand up for herself and do what she thinks is right. She fights fiercely for those she cares about. She is logical and intelligent. In A Deceptive Devotion, we find Lane dealing with a personal issue – is she prepared to give up her independent lifestyle and share her life with Darling? It’s not that she doesn’t love him – but can she give up her solitude, her space, her individual routines?
If you love any of the following – strong female leads, historical mysteries, Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs – don’t miss this book (or this series). The characters, setting, and stories combine for a wonderful mystery.
From my review at Hidden Staircase.
Many thanks to TouchWood Editions for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
First let’s start with the mystery – Lane Winslow has a lot going on in A Deceptive Devotion:
- A mysterious Russian countess shows up looking for her missing brother. As Inspector Darling tries to track down any leads, she stays with Lane; the countess only speaks Russian, and Lane is fluent.
- Lane and Inspector Darling are preparing for their upcoming wedding. But will Lane get cold feet before the day arrives?
- Ames is in Vancouver to take his Sergeant’s exam. His temporary replacement in Darling’s office is not measuring up.
- Unknown to Lane, a former Russian spy has defected and is making his way to Canada (and hopefully Lane) for safety.
- A local hunter in King’s Cove has gone missing – and is later found dead. Darling asks (okay, he tells) - Lane to leave this mystery to the local authorities. But of course, Lane follows her instincts and does some snooping on her own.
Whew. I told you Lane has a lot going on.
What makes Lane Winslow mysteries different from other historical mysteries? It’s the storytelling. In each book, Ms. Whishaw tells two stories – the mystery in the present, and the events in the past that led up to the murder. This narration gives the reader a foundation to understand the motivations of the crime, and give depth to both the victim and the guilty. Her writing style is just lovely and detailed, transporting you back in time to post-war Canada.
My favorite part of these books is Lane herself. She is an independent, strong woman. Lane is not afraid to stand up for herself and do what she thinks is right. She fights fiercely for those she cares about. She is logical and intelligent. In A Deceptive Devotion, we find Lane dealing with a personal issue – is she prepared to give up her independent lifestyle and share her life with Darling? It’s not that she doesn’t love him – but can she give up her solitude, her space, her individual routines?
If you love any of the following – strong female leads, historical mysteries, Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs – don’t miss this book (or this series). The characters, setting, and stories combine for a wonderful mystery.
From my review at Hidden Staircase.
Many thanks to TouchWood Editions for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
February 14, 2020
A Deceptive Devotion quite hook me from the start like most mystery books. I find myself more enthralled by the setting and secondary characters than Lane herself. Lane has the personality of flour, especially compared to Inspector Darling and Constable Ames. I had a difficult time believing Lane was an exceptional intelligence agent particularly when she took everything a stranger said at face value. Her interactions with Darling only highlighted the lack of vibrancy in her character and I had a hard time believing she was in love, not to mention about to be married. Despite my issues with Lane and the slow pace, the secondary characters truly saved this book for me. I adore the banter between Inspector Darling and Constable Ames. I would be happy to read a series that just follows those two and their begrudging bromance.
While A Deceptive Devotion can be read as a standalone, readers would benefit from reading the first five installments of the Lane Winslow Mysteries as there are many reoccurring characters and references to past cases. I will probably pick up the next book if Whishaw chooses to continue Lane’s story but I think this book would be a fitting end to her story. Now, I want Ames to have his shot in the spotlight! I recommend the book for fans of the mystery genre and/or those with a particular interest in the state of Canada in the mid-1940’s.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While A Deceptive Devotion can be read as a standalone, readers would benefit from reading the first five installments of the Lane Winslow Mysteries as there are many reoccurring characters and references to past cases. I will probably pick up the next book if Whishaw chooses to continue Lane’s story but I think this book would be a fitting end to her story. Now, I want Ames to have his shot in the spotlight! I recommend the book for fans of the mystery genre and/or those with a particular interest in the state of Canada in the mid-1940’s.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 3, 2019
I thank Tori Elliott, Marketing and Publicity at Touchwood Editions for the ARC of "A DECEPTIVE DEVOTION," by Iona Whishaw, given via the Jan 4 Shelf Awareness Pro Newsletter. I was not familiar with the author, although this is number six in the series.
My attention was drawn in and held from the start and never let go. I knew I had to go back and read the whole series, but neither my county libraries nor the next county had them, so I sent for the first five and binge read the entire series before donating them to my library.
Lane Winslow, an operative courier for British intelligence during the war, has moved to a quiet corner of western Canada in order to distance herself from the experience as much as she can. Still in her 20s, she is an unusual addition to her mostly older group of villagers, but that is just what she needs. That is, until a body is found on her property and she is arrested for murder and jailed on the basis of compelling evidence.
To get the most enjoyment, I suggest reading the series in sequence. They are:
1. A Killer in King's Cove
2. Death in a Darkening Mist
3. An Old Cold Grave
4. It Begins in Betrayal
5. A Sorrowful Sanctuary
6. A Deceptive Devotion
I loved every one of them and give 5 stars all around.
My attention was drawn in and held from the start and never let go. I knew I had to go back and read the whole series, but neither my county libraries nor the next county had them, so I sent for the first five and binge read the entire series before donating them to my library.
Lane Winslow, an operative courier for British intelligence during the war, has moved to a quiet corner of western Canada in order to distance herself from the experience as much as she can. Still in her 20s, she is an unusual addition to her mostly older group of villagers, but that is just what she needs. That is, until a body is found on her property and she is arrested for murder and jailed on the basis of compelling evidence.
To get the most enjoyment, I suggest reading the series in sequence. They are:
1. A Killer in King's Cove
2. Death in a Darkening Mist
3. An Old Cold Grave
4. It Begins in Betrayal
5. A Sorrowful Sanctuary
6. A Deceptive Devotion
I loved every one of them and give 5 stars all around.
April 22, 2019
The sixth installment in the Lane Winslow mystery series. A former British spy, Lane Winslow only wants to retire to Canada and start anew, but her past doesn’t seem to want to let her go. The story grabs you on the first few pages when a hunter is murdered. As the police race to catch the killer, another drama is playing out with Lane and her unexpected house guest.
A charming story with an intelligent heroine and endearing supporting characters set in an idyllic community. I love the interpersonal relationships between the residents of the small King’s Cove community. They’re a tight knit group who look out for one another. I also like the Police Constable, Ames. He’s an appealing character, with smarts and the ability to work well with the no nonsense Inspector Darling. A murder, a Russian Countess, and a wedding highlight this entertaining cozy mystery.
A charming story with an intelligent heroine and endearing supporting characters set in an idyllic community. I love the interpersonal relationships between the residents of the small King’s Cove community. They’re a tight knit group who look out for one another. I also like the Police Constable, Ames. He’s an appealing character, with smarts and the ability to work well with the no nonsense Inspector Darling. A murder, a Russian Countess, and a wedding highlight this entertaining cozy mystery.
January 8, 2020
Changing my previous rating. That's what I get for trying to save time and writing it before I'm finished.
About right after I wrote what is below, the author mostly quit that aggravating 'time travel' and as usual it was a good story.
Not enjoying this nearly as much as the others.
Multiple timelines going on and multiple stories, all of which switch horses with no notice at all. It's sometimes unclear what is happening to whom, and when. Especially if you have to put the book down for a while and do something else, as most of us will have to do.
The type of story that was attempted here is not the author's forté, and I think she made a real dog's dinner of it. However, I do enjoy the characters and the setting so will hang in and see if she reverts to business-as-usual in the next book.
About right after I wrote what is below, the author mostly quit that aggravating 'time travel' and as usual it was a good story.
Not enjoying this nearly as much as the others.
Multiple timelines going on and multiple stories, all of which switch horses with no notice at all. It's sometimes unclear what is happening to whom, and when. Especially if you have to put the book down for a while and do something else, as most of us will have to do.
The type of story that was attempted here is not the author's forté, and I think she made a real dog's dinner of it. However, I do enjoy the characters and the setting so will hang in and see if she reverts to business-as-usual in the next book.
August 9, 2022
This book series is one of my very favourites! Each character has a unique and interesting personality, Iona, the author, does a great job of adding depth to all of the members of this community.
I’m writing this review on the most recent book that I’ve finished, but my praise is for the entire series.
The mysteries keep you guessing, and engaged without being too complicated, the books are easy to follow without being dull. Thoroughly an enjoyable escape.
I enjoyed this series, characters, and setting so much that we did a camping tour of the Kootenays and followed in Lanes footsteps!
I’m writing this review on the most recent book that I’ve finished, but my praise is for the entire series.
The mysteries keep you guessing, and engaged without being too complicated, the books are easy to follow without being dull. Thoroughly an enjoyable escape.
I enjoyed this series, characters, and setting so much that we did a camping tour of the Kootenays and followed in Lanes footsteps!
October 12, 2020
As Lane and Darling plan their wedding and Ames is in Vancouver taking an exam for a promotion (while helping with one of Darling’s investigations, as well), British-Soviet Cold War intrigue is invading King’s Cove and threatening the lives of Lane and anyone who gets in their way. At one point it gets a little confusing about who is directing the bad guys. Is the poor little old Russian lady who has taken up residence in Lane’s house really just looking for her lost brother, or is she a more sinister character? Once the bad guys are vanquished, Lane and Darling are able to carry on with their wedding plans, much to the delight of the regular King’s Cove characters, and it sounds as charming as one might imagine. I like happy endings.
October 23, 2024
If you haven’t tried this terrific series set in 1940s Nelson, British Columbia, it’s time to give it a try. Author Whishaw gets better with every book. I’ve reviewed a few of them, so you can find them on my blog, and am happy to report I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It’s now a beautiful September in King’s Cove, matching the spectacular fall we enjoyed as I read this. The same characters are here – ex-British spy Lane Winslow, her fiancé RCMP inspector Max Darling, Const. Ames (in Vancouver for most of the book, taking his sergeant’s exam), Lane’s bestie Angela, neighbours Gladys and Mabel and Kenny and all the others we’ve grown to enjoy. Lane’s ability to speak Russian makes her the obvious contact when an elderly Russian countess arrives in Nelson in search of her missing brother, and she stays in Lane’s guest room, much to Darling’s consternation. Also in King’s Cove, a hunter’s horse shows up without the rider, and soon the missing man’s body is found. An old love triangle suggests a possible suspect. False alibis, international intrigue, the gorgeous Kootenay scenery and pending nuptials – it all makes for an enjoyable cosy mystery, perfect as the weather cools and cementing Whishaw’s Winslow series as one I continue to confidently recommend. My thanks to the Grand Forks (B.C.) & District Public Library for including this title in its adult mystery collection; you can also borrow it electronically in e-book format.
December 23, 2021
Lane Winslow and Inspector Darling have decided to get married, though they are shy of telling their friends and neighbors about it. Meanwhile, Lane has invited a Russian emigre, an aristocrat still on the run from the Bolsheviks, to stay with her while she is in the area looking for her missing brother. Darling is dealing with a new constable, as his usual aide Ames is taking a course in prospect of his promotion. When a hunter is found dead in the area, attention turns to his turbulent marriage. Meanwhile, though, we know that the Soviet spy who had been a colleague of Lane's father is trying to reach her in Canada to turn himself in, as agents try to stop him.
August 13, 2024
This is one of my favourites in this series so far. A deeply layered mystery that uncovers a bit more of Lane's past. The Russian Revolution is seamlessly woven into the present day setting, and it is so nice to see Lane embraced and loved by her little community.
March 20, 2022
All of the storylines, past and present, converge nicely in this one.
June 8, 2023
A good story in the series. I didn't like this one quite as much as the others, but still good. 3/5 stars.
January 23, 2025
Wow. Honestly, the book took me longer than usual to get through the first half-ish, but I think that’s just because of the mood I was in, not the content of the book. I LOVED the ending of this book, for multiple reasons. Firstly, the mystery, specifically near the end, was thrilling. Couldn’t put the book down and quite literally lost track of time. And at the end my heart was just so… *sigh*…. y’know? I love these characters and I love the life lessons and the growth and their relationships with each other. Can’t wait to read the next book. 4.75 stars.
February 27, 2025
Another excellent book in this series.
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April 14, 2025International intrigue continues to play a significant role in the sequence of books virtually set near Nelson, British Columbia, but evolving on a stage that is global and still very much in recovery from World War II. Elements of history play a large role. Igor Gouzenko, in particular, lurks behind this book, as do people such as Kim Philby. The deceptiveness of appearances is a major theme, and it seems that the only devotion which is not somewhat deceptive is that between the principal characters, Winslow and Darling.
August 3, 2020
I rarely hit 5 stars. I think this one deserves it. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
January 25, 2025
3.5. I love escaping into the world of Lane and Darling. In this book Lane and Darling have decided to get married. While they’re planning that a hunter is killed execution style -throat cut- up in the mountains behind town. At the same time a Russian refugee,an old woman arrives and ends up staying with Lane who is the only one who can communicate with her. This Russian refugee Orlova supposedly is looking for her lost brother as they are refugees from the communist revolution and have escaped to Shanghai and are now in northern Canada. Darling has a new police officer who is replacing Ames who is in Vancouver studying for his sergeants license. This new police officer Oxley is kind of a jerk- arrogant and up to no good. It appears that the murder was done by the hunter’s friend who was having an affair with the hunters wife and this is solidified when Oxley finds a weapon at his boat repair shop. Meanwhile Lanes Russian guest Orlova likes to take long walks with her suitcase and also is a watercolor painter of some talent and is making paintings of the views all around Kings Cove. Into this comes Stanislov Aptekar who was defecting to Britain but was picked up by the Soviets and sent to Gulag before he could get out of Russia. He manages to escape and makes his way to Canada to contact Lane. It turns out that Angus Dunn betrayed him in an effort to get information from the Soviets to keep his job and remain relevant in the British intelligence. Oxley is a double agent, unknown to the Canadians, who has been sent with Orlova, also a Soviet agent, to capture and return
Aptekar to the soviet union where he will go end his days in a gulag. Lane discovers this about Orlova when she learns the suitcase contains radio equipment and that Oxley also has a similar suitcase. It turns out that Orlova and Aptekar were lovers when they were in there early 20s and she had his child a little girl who died. Her love for him is triumphed by her belief in the communist dream. Of course there’s a last-minute encounter in which Lane manages not to be shot by Orlova and to escape Oxley taking her with the car to Russia as Darling and Ames arrive on the scene. A wedding does happen in Kings Cove. Lane wears a blue taffeta dress and Darling a new grey suit that matches his eyes. As for the Hunter’s murderer- it was Orlova who was forced to kill him when he comes across her radio equipment high on the hilltop.
Aptekar to the soviet union where he will go end his days in a gulag. Lane discovers this about Orlova when she learns the suitcase contains radio equipment and that Oxley also has a similar suitcase. It turns out that Orlova and Aptekar were lovers when they were in there early 20s and she had his child a little girl who died. Her love for him is triumphed by her belief in the communist dream. Of course there’s a last-minute encounter in which Lane manages not to be shot by Orlova and to escape Oxley taking her with the car to Russia as Darling and Ames arrive on the scene. A wedding does happen in Kings Cove. Lane wears a blue taffeta dress and Darling a new grey suit that matches his eyes. As for the Hunter’s murderer- it was Orlova who was forced to kill him when he comes across her radio equipment high on the hilltop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2021
I do enjoy this series. Once again, we find Lane in her beautiful home near Nelson B.C. She now has a new worry. She is engaged to Chief Inspector Darling. Not only do I get mystery and mayhem in this book but I also get a romance.
In this story it is not Lane who finds a dead body (usually she does find the bodies) but the body is near where she lives so of course she does become involved.
Lane has been asked to provide a temporary shelter to an old Russian woman who has arrived in Nelson looking for her brother. Lane is asked because she speaks Russian and is all the old lady can speak. .
Lane takes the Russian into her home much to the dismay of Chief Inspector Darling who is afraid that the old lady will still be there after he and Lane are married. This is not the only concern that comes up regarding the marriage of Lane and the inspector and it seems that the relationship is on a rocky road before it happens. Will true love win out?
This story also involves espionage in that an old acquaintance of Lane’s from a previous book is trying to escape from Russia and defect to Britain. We get a lot of information about spies in Canada after World War II. Lane is a former spy for Britain. She has come to Canada to put that life behind her, but it keeps popping up.
I did find this book a bit confusing until I got into the rhythm of it. There were flashbacks to the 1890’s to 1920’s and during the war and the most recent past a month before the present time (September 1947)
Also in this story is Constable Ames who next to the Chief Inspector is my secondary hero. Ames is in Vancouver attending courses to become a Sergeant. He is such a likeable young man. He is the right-hand man for Chief Inspector Darling and the two have a lovely bromance.
In this story it is not Lane who finds a dead body (usually she does find the bodies) but the body is near where she lives so of course she does become involved.
Lane has been asked to provide a temporary shelter to an old Russian woman who has arrived in Nelson looking for her brother. Lane is asked because she speaks Russian and is all the old lady can speak. .
Lane takes the Russian into her home much to the dismay of Chief Inspector Darling who is afraid that the old lady will still be there after he and Lane are married. This is not the only concern that comes up regarding the marriage of Lane and the inspector and it seems that the relationship is on a rocky road before it happens. Will true love win out?
This story also involves espionage in that an old acquaintance of Lane’s from a previous book is trying to escape from Russia and defect to Britain. We get a lot of information about spies in Canada after World War II. Lane is a former spy for Britain. She has come to Canada to put that life behind her, but it keeps popping up.
I did find this book a bit confusing until I got into the rhythm of it. There were flashbacks to the 1890’s to 1920’s and during the war and the most recent past a month before the present time (September 1947)
Also in this story is Constable Ames who next to the Chief Inspector is my secondary hero. Ames is in Vancouver attending courses to become a Sergeant. He is such a likeable young man. He is the right-hand man for Chief Inspector Darling and the two have a lovely bromance.
January 8, 2023
This has been a fun audio book series for me to follow. I listened to all the other ones before and after this one because of the library's reservation system. The characters are likeable and Ames has a more interesting part to play in this one. And of course the idea of a wedding gets everyone in a dither.
It is totally unbelievable that Lane worked in intelligence during the war. She tends to be the nice, warm and friendly neighbor (without suspicion) that everyone adores. On the other hand, the reader is suspicious right off the bat so the ending has very little surprise. She does seem to know how to act in a dangerous situation and is quite the feminist in many ways.
It is hard to tell why Darling likes her so much except for the fact that he admires her beauty. I just wish she had a major flaw so we could tell that he really loves her for her intelligence and spunk. But maybe that's the time period. It is tiresome that his name is Darling and they go around using darling as an endearment. Why not sweetie or honey?
The books tend to lack descriptions. I can't tell you what Ames and Darling actually look like. There isn't a very detailed description of the local scenery either except that it is 'beautiful'. I have a view of the Lake Washington and the Cascades and I think describing it as 'beautiful' all the time wouldn't do it justice. I would like to imagine more what the area around Lane Winslow's house looks like besides looking it up on my atlas.
In any case, this is a cozy story with a bit of intrigue in a historical setting and the idea of sex and violence is eluded to but not described in any detail. It reminds me of the small town doings in TV shows like the Brokenwood Mysteries.
It is totally unbelievable that Lane worked in intelligence during the war. She tends to be the nice, warm and friendly neighbor (without suspicion) that everyone adores. On the other hand, the reader is suspicious right off the bat so the ending has very little surprise. She does seem to know how to act in a dangerous situation and is quite the feminist in many ways.
It is hard to tell why Darling likes her so much except for the fact that he admires her beauty. I just wish she had a major flaw so we could tell that he really loves her for her intelligence and spunk. But maybe that's the time period. It is tiresome that his name is Darling and they go around using darling as an endearment. Why not sweetie or honey?
The books tend to lack descriptions. I can't tell you what Ames and Darling actually look like. There isn't a very detailed description of the local scenery either except that it is 'beautiful'. I have a view of the Lake Washington and the Cascades and I think describing it as 'beautiful' all the time wouldn't do it justice. I would like to imagine more what the area around Lane Winslow's house looks like besides looking it up on my atlas.
In any case, this is a cozy story with a bit of intrigue in a historical setting and the idea of sex and violence is eluded to but not described in any detail. It reminds me of the small town doings in TV shows like the Brokenwood Mysteries.
May 8, 2019
In A Deceptive Devotion, we get to know a little more about Lane’s spy experience during WWII. Her experience in almost becoming a double agent on the Russian side will explode into a very dangerous situation for the people of King’s Cove. Whishaw artfully throws in some WWII history and Russian culture while breaking down the details of the investigation of the murder of a local hunter.
At the same time, the elderly Countess Orlova shows up looking for her brother, which leads to another investigation.
Is the timing of the murder and the arrival of the Countess a coincidence. What do you think?
Constable Ames, Darling’s very capable sidekick, manages to get a foot into the investigation even as he studies to finish his sergeant’s course in Vancouver. Ames is such an exceptional (and often humorous) counterpart to Darling, he is becoming a favorite character and much more than a sidekick.
I do love this series. Lane Winslow and Inspector Darling make a skilled detective team. And they’re cute! I also like the setting in western Canada, giving this American a slightly different perspective on post WWII North America. The series takes place in a small town, so you want to think cozy mystery. It is not. These are series crimes, serious motives and serious consequences.
WWII historical fiction seems to be quite popular these days, so it is hard to know what to pick up and read. Trust me, A Deceptive Devotion is a good one!
The publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
At the same time, the elderly Countess Orlova shows up looking for her brother, which leads to another investigation.
Is the timing of the murder and the arrival of the Countess a coincidence. What do you think?
Constable Ames, Darling’s very capable sidekick, manages to get a foot into the investigation even as he studies to finish his sergeant’s course in Vancouver. Ames is such an exceptional (and often humorous) counterpart to Darling, he is becoming a favorite character and much more than a sidekick.
I do love this series. Lane Winslow and Inspector Darling make a skilled detective team. And they’re cute! I also like the setting in western Canada, giving this American a slightly different perspective on post WWII North America. The series takes place in a small town, so you want to think cozy mystery. It is not. These are series crimes, serious motives and serious consequences.
WWII historical fiction seems to be quite popular these days, so it is hard to know what to pick up and read. Trust me, A Deceptive Devotion is a good one!
The publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2022
How strange it was to read this book set at the start of the Cold War with all of the angst about Russian actions and invasions and infiltrations in and of Canada and its allies while at the same time in real life as I read this novel Russia had started its invasion of the Ukraine putting the world at the brink of WWIII and at the time of writing this review the matter is still precarious and undecided... And, as a Gen Xer, named the 'Generation of Fear' because we grew up during the Cold War where the world could end at the push of a button, the book became almost surreal for me reading it at this time.
With those caveats, I will say that this book is somewhere between three and four stars for me, and I was leaning toward three as it is not one of the better ones of the series. But, recognizing that the author has no control over what world events might be happening when someone like me reads her novels, I rounded up to four stars.
For me, the problem with the book is that is quite convoluted and it jumps all over in time and place and 'voice' (moving from focusing on one character to another). I found it all difficult to follow and often had to go back to try and figure out who or what was being discussed at the new section that I was reading. However, the distractions of the books were compounded by the distractions of eerily, and coincidentally, overlapping world events so I am giving the book the benefit of the doubt and rounding up to four stars.
Overall, I did enjoy the read and will be looking up the next book in the series.
With those caveats, I will say that this book is somewhere between three and four stars for me, and I was leaning toward three as it is not one of the better ones of the series. But, recognizing that the author has no control over what world events might be happening when someone like me reads her novels, I rounded up to four stars.
For me, the problem with the book is that is quite convoluted and it jumps all over in time and place and 'voice' (moving from focusing on one character to another). I found it all difficult to follow and often had to go back to try and figure out who or what was being discussed at the new section that I was reading. However, the distractions of the books were compounded by the distractions of eerily, and coincidentally, overlapping world events so I am giving the book the benefit of the doubt and rounding up to four stars.
Overall, I did enjoy the read and will be looking up the next book in the series.
April 3, 2019
This novel gave me life!
Firstly, let me thank Iona Whishaw and Touchwood Editions for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now that that's over with, let me tell you just how much I enjoyed this novel.
Lane Winslow can never seem to break free of her past as a British spy during the war. Now, she has a Russian Countess staying in her guest room, a wedding to plan for and Inspector Darling finds yet another dead body near King's Cove. Let's not forget that Constable Ames is away at school, his replacement seeming to be a little too eager and there's a Russian spy simply trying to defect to Canada. Yes, the amazing author managed to include all of that into the plot of this novel.
As with the others in this series, the narration shifts in time, place and narrator. We are never given the full story and even though there are times where you feel you may know what's about to happen, Whishaw gives it to you in such a refreshing way that you cannot help but be excited about what's taking place. Along the same lines, the characters are real and extremely witty. I am a fan of good dry humor (probably because of all the "Daria" I watched growing up) and the Lane Winslow series doles it out in spades.
I have come to terms with the idea that there are just some wonderful writers out there, those that force you to read everything they write and Iona Whishaw is one of them. This book will be released later this month (April 2019) and I highly suggest you check it out.
Firstly, let me thank Iona Whishaw and Touchwood Editions for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now that that's over with, let me tell you just how much I enjoyed this novel.
Lane Winslow can never seem to break free of her past as a British spy during the war. Now, she has a Russian Countess staying in her guest room, a wedding to plan for and Inspector Darling finds yet another dead body near King's Cove. Let's not forget that Constable Ames is away at school, his replacement seeming to be a little too eager and there's a Russian spy simply trying to defect to Canada. Yes, the amazing author managed to include all of that into the plot of this novel.
As with the others in this series, the narration shifts in time, place and narrator. We are never given the full story and even though there are times where you feel you may know what's about to happen, Whishaw gives it to you in such a refreshing way that you cannot help but be excited about what's taking place. Along the same lines, the characters are real and extremely witty. I am a fan of good dry humor (probably because of all the "Daria" I watched growing up) and the Lane Winslow series doles it out in spades.
I have come to terms with the idea that there are just some wonderful writers out there, those that force you to read everything they write and Iona Whishaw is one of them. This book will be released later this month (April 2019) and I highly suggest you check it out.
September 9, 2019
This is the the most recent book in the Lane Winslow series. I’m still waiting for two more thanks to the vagaries of the Philadelphia library system. In this book Lane is preparing herself for her upcoming wedding with Inspector Darling. It’s a month away and they have made arrangements with the Vicar, but neither of them have told anyone else. Unlike so many of the other couples the vicar has married, they are both “older” - in their late 20’s. (This is 1947 after all.) Lane makes a reference to both of them who have been “around the block.” Even her choice of a dress ultimately shows her independence and her age in the end. In the meantime, though, there is a mystery to be solved. A cab driver drops an elderly Russian woman at the home of the vicar and suggests that the lady who lives near the lake speaks Russian. That should have been a clue right there. She introduces herself as the Countess Orlova and she is looking for her brother. At first Lane accepts her story, but soon she starts to question it. Meanwhile, Ames is taking a class to become a Sgt and is getting ready to take his exam. Inspector Darling has asked him to talk to members of the Russian community in Vancouver about the countess and her brother. He soon helps to make a connection that brings everything together. This was really an interesting book that had a sense of finality about it. I hope that doesn’t mean there won’t be a book in 2020. I’ve become really addicted to this series.
January 9, 2023
Wonderfully complex!
I generally am not a fan of stories that jump back and forth between characters, years, and places but this was so well done that, as you gather bits and pieces about characters’ back stories, you are able to add the knowledge gained as you follow the present narrative. Think of it as working on a complicated jigsaw puzzle without the box to show you the full picture. As pieces are added you get a fuller idea of the whole story and motives for actions taken.
The overall theme is, I think, is how love, be it for a person or a political ideal, can eventually change people. Some for good, some not. The resulting climax is intense with quite a few surprises. The book’s ending brings together a few other narrative threads from previous books in this series. I do enjoy all the characters in the small community of King's Cove.
This is a unique, intriguing, and interesting story which I highly recommend. Do start with the first book in the series so you can see how relationships were formed and are changing over time.
I generally am not a fan of stories that jump back and forth between characters, years, and places but this was so well done that, as you gather bits and pieces about characters’ back stories, you are able to add the knowledge gained as you follow the present narrative. Think of it as working on a complicated jigsaw puzzle without the box to show you the full picture. As pieces are added you get a fuller idea of the whole story and motives for actions taken.
The overall theme is, I think, is how love, be it for a person or a political ideal, can eventually change people. Some for good, some not. The resulting climax is intense with quite a few surprises. The book’s ending brings together a few other narrative threads from previous books in this series. I do enjoy all the characters in the small community of King's Cove.
This is a unique, intriguing, and interesting story which I highly recommend. Do start with the first book in the series so you can see how relationships were formed and are changing over time.
We never, with all that we do, can know the full story of someone's murder, the full deep reason why someone would kill someone else, what those last minutes were like. But we are humans, and there is a certain amount that we know about the world around us from what we feel, and while those feelings do not constitute forensic evident, they can sometimes be an indicator that we need to look more deeply.
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